The Transformation of Landscapes at Duke Farms

Removal of trees is the first step in an ambitious habitat regeneration project

Hillsborough, N.J. (January 21, 2010) – Passing motorists may have noticed an increase in activity, including the removal of trees, on property owned by Duke Farms along Dukes Parkway West.

Dukes Parkway West Ron Dalrymple

“We received a number of inquiries asking why trees are being removed on the property,” said Timothy M. Taylor, executive director of Duke Farms. “What people are seeing along Dukes Parkway West is part of our habitat regeneration project. Approximately 300 non-native invasive trees, such as Norway Maple and Asian Ailanthus – also known as the Tree of Heaven -- are being removed, along with trees that are dead or diseased. These will be replaced with native plantings to create a broad wildflower meadow that leads to a taller wetland meadow. The native maples, oaks, sycamores and evergreens in that area will remain and, as a result of this work, are expected to thrive.”

The regeneration of native habitat on the 2,740-acre property in Hillsborough is part of the transformation of Duke Farms into a regional center for environmental stewardship and sustainability. The process involves the removal of non-native invasive plants, many of them introduced from Europe and Asia, that are aggressive competitors with native plants for space and nutrients. They often form dense stands or thickets that crowd out native vegetation, which then has an adverse effect on animals and insects that depend on native plant species for food and shelter.

“Rather than restore manicured lawns, our desire is to regenerate native landscapes for the preservation of New Jersey’s native wildlife,” explained Taylor.

Native Nursery

Invasive plants have been removed from approximately 380 acres at Duke Farms and more than 230 acres have been replanted with native species. A native nursery at Duke Farms has propagated more than 40,000 plants from seeds collected on the property to assist with habitat regeneration efforts and, with the addition of plants obtained from local nurseries, a total of 135,000 plantings were completed in 2008-2009.

“Volunteers have played a large role in assisting with our efforts,” Taylor said. “They have helped with the removal of invasive shrubs, the collection of native seeds and the planting of native species. Working side-by-side with naturalists and horticulturalists on the Duke Farms staff and ecologists from Rutgers University, these volunteers also learned how to identify and remove invasive species, proper planting techniques and the importance of having native plants in the landscape – be it on a large tract of land or in a residential backyard.”

For more information on educational programs at Duke Farms or current volunteer opportunities, please visit www.dukefarms.org or call (908) 722-3700.

About Duke Farms

For nearly 100 years, Duke Farms, a 2,700-acre property in Hillsborough, N.J., has been a destination for the residents of The Garden State and beyond. As one of the largest privately- owned parcels of undeveloped land in the state, it is rich in agricultural, horticultural and ecological resources. The mission of Duke Farms is to be a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st Century and inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land.

Press Release Archives

Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF documents. To download a free copy of the software, visit www.adobe.com.